How to Become a Counselor in Michigan

If you are interested in how to become an LPC in Michigan, you will want to meet all standards and requirements in order to perform the job well.

Professional Counseling in Michigan usually requires individuals to have Master’s degrees. School counselors in the state of Michigan will be required to obtain licensing by the Department of Education. For those looking to provide counseling in a setting other than a school will need to satisfy the LPC requirements set by the state board.

Future LPC: For Michigan High School Student or High School Graduate

Your First Step:

To impress the admission committees, make sure that you properly demonstrate professional goals and important life experiences that have led you to where you are today. Gain experience (either paid or volunteer) in professional settings.

Your Second Step:

Make sure that you have undergraduate experience in behavioral sciences. Psychology and Social Work are great choices.

Bachelor’s Degree College Graduates

(CACREP– The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs). Rehabilitation counseling programs are usually accredited by CORE (The Council on Rehabilitation Education).

First:

Make sure that you spend time exploring your college’s career services and academic advising resources to find out the best path for you. Depending on the schools of your choice, you might have to take the GRE exam. Counseling programs can be very competitive; so you must prepare accordingly.

Second:

Applicants looking to become a school counselor, you will be required to complete a graduate program that includes supervised practice. Individuals that are already teachers will be able to select elementary, middle, or high school programs. People who are not certified teachers already will need to complete a program that covers kindergarten through 12th grade.

Choose the route for professional counselor that works well for you. Choices include rehabilitation counseling, college counseling, art therapy, and mental health counseling. It is required by the state board that your program contains a minimum of 48 hours of coursework.

Candidates are able to choose more than one specialty.

Third:

Then, the application process for professional licensure will start. Applicants will need to complete a form from the state board and supply additional materials for evaluation. In addition, aspiring counselors will be required to complete a background check.

Fourth:

Those interested can test immediately after graduation. People looking to become school counselors will need to take the test for teaching certification in the state of Michigan and those looking to become LPC’s will be required to complete the NCE or CRCC examination.

Fifth:

Prior to becoming fully licensed as a counselor in Michigan you must complete 3,00 hours of work experience. While you complete you work experience you will be credentialed as a LLPC or a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor. You will be able to do everything a licensed counselor is able to do, but will have a supervisor that guides you along the way.

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